metaphorically

adverb

met·​a·​phor·​i·​cal·​ly ˌme-tə-ˈfȯr-i-k(ə-)lē 

-ˈfär-

: in a metaphorical or figurative sense rather than a literal sense : by using a metaphor

At the center of every encryption system is a secret number or mathematical operation, metaphorically referred to as a key.

—Peter Wayner

At a typical event, he comes crashing onstage, delivers a macho statement of intent, metaphorically flexes his muscles, then roars away.

—Terry McCarthy

They settled in Somerville, Mass., next door to Cambridge but metaphorically across the tracks.

—Laura Shapiro

Examples of metaphorically in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This misstep, combined with the natural communication barriers between two people who metaphorically speak different languages, presents a significant challenge to their relationship dynamic. —Alexis Grace Williams, People.com, 15 Jan. 2025

And even with those numbers, the shooting numbers have metaphorically left Earth. —Tony Jones, The Athletic, 3 Jan. 2025

My advice: Kick him around a bit, metaphorically speaking. —James Parker, The Atlantic, 31 Dec. 2024

Each time, the native of Nashville's Antioch neighborhood is metaphorically baptized anew. —Marcus K. Dowling, The Tennessean, 19 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1534, in the meaning defined above